River North, Chicago, is known for its lively list of nightclubs and luxe shopping scene. While the vibrant neighborhood is nestled between the Chicago Riverwalk and the decadent Gold Coast, it frankly has everything you need.
However, creating an ideal itinerary can be demanding, so we’ve made one for you. Below is the perfect Saturday agenda compiling the best things to do in River North Chicago, starting with a quaint neighborhood breakfast spot and finishing the night in a vintage photo booth.
1. Grab breakfast at this quaint neighborhood spot
The most idyllic way to begin your morning is by heading to this charming eatery at the edge of River North Chicago. Sunny Side Up is a quaint walk-up spot that exudes a rustic, old-school Chicago diner your grandparents would be enamored with. However, when you step inside, the vibrant spot is filled with timeless elements that are only amplified by the sumptuous breakfast and lunch cuisine.
📍Address: 42 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Reservation: First come, first serve
2. Shop on the famous Mag Mile
After devouring a delicious hearty breakfast, head to Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s celebrated shopping district. Between the 900 North Michigan Shops and the Water Tower Place, there are countless places to go.
Specifically, at 900, the stores are grand, between Bloomingdales and North Shore Exchange, so it’s easy to wander for hours and not feel bored. Nevertheless, if your stomach still grumbles after Sunny Side Up, you’ll find the extensive food and drink oasis, Aster Hall. And if you want just to grab a glass of rosé while you shop around, that’s okay too.
📍Address: 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
3. Rejuvenate with divine drinks at this lofty River North cocktail bar
After racking up bags of new clothes, head to River North’s sophisticated and eclectic lounge, where mixology, food, music, and art intersect. The allure of Arbella lies in the elongated bar illuminated by dim lights and candles—it’s sleek and oozes charisma. The fragrance of the wanderlust cocktails being smoked, shaken, and stirred will wrap around you—and we suggest ordering Arbella’s martini or the zero-proof smoking kills.
📍Address: 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Reservation:Make a reservation to Arbella here
4. Indulge in one of the best happy hours nearby
One of the best things in River North is the abundance of happy hours—and we have a few favorites. Giuliana and Bill Rancic back this Italian restaurant, which has a happy hour that will satiate all your food cravings. The modern and sleek hot spot offers an essential happy hour menu featuring $8 cicchetti, as well as signature cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass starting at $8.
📅 When: Monday—Friday: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
🍽️ Reservation: first come, first served at that bar
5. Or settle down for a rich Italian meal
After you guzzle down a resplendent cocktail, you’ll want a fulfilling Italian meal. A short walk down the street lies Ciccio Mio, an intimate and romantic spot. You’ll be greeted with an elegant, low-lit atmosphere decorated with decadent artwork.
The rich red, gold, and green colors swallow the room, transporting you to an intimate restaurant off the coast of Italy. Not only is it stunning and one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, but you’ll taste sensational classic Italian cooking with every bite.
📍Address: 226 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Reservation:Make a reservation to Ciccio Mio here
6. Head to one of the best bakeries in River North Chicago
Levain Bakery is a famous NYC spot that finally reached River North. The cult-status bakery is known for its perfectly baked sweet treats with a curated list of delectable cookies, fresh pastries, and savory bread. It’s the quintessential place to cure a sweet tooth after fork-twirling pasta.
📍Address: 408 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
7. Sip on a bathtub while dancing at this live music lounge
One of the best things to do in River North Chicago is pivoting to the melodies of vibrant music. The Basement is one of the most vigorous bars that offer live music.
Located below the Hampton Social, the Bassment welcomes patrons through a secret door that leads to a black curtain. When pulled back, it reveals a wide maroon-hued space with a design reminiscing 1960s British nostalgia, with gold accents, brick walls, velvety couches, and a vast stage in the front of the room. With a selection of cocktails, including the notable ” bathtub,” “this is a bar where the energy never dies down as you slowly become inebriated, dancing to anything from country to soul music.
📍Address: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Reservation: Make a reservation to the Bassment here
8. Take a film photo at this River North Chicago speakeasy
After twirling the night away, cool down at a darling speakeasy. Hidden in the basement of Gilt Bar, through the anonymous side door, The Library nods to Chicago’s Speakeasy history by the distilling aristocracy—wine-toned velvet booths line the room, vintage art is splattered, fringed chandeliers are suspended, and a vintage photo booth is waiting for you.
📍Address: 230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Reservation: Make a reservation to the Gilt Bar here
9. End the night at a disco
If you’re looking for an electroluminescent electric floor with flashing lights inspired by the clubs of London, Paris, and Tulum–end your night at Celeste’s Disco Room. You’ll be transported to That 70’s Show as you oscillate across the multicolored floor. Need a break? Head to the fourth floor’s Roof Garden, a year-round Victorian-decorated rooftop bar with tropical greenery and vine-covered brick walls.